APF People
Dr Silvia Casale
Our societies are defined by how we deal with the people in our closed institutions, says the former Chairperson of the UN Subcommittee for Prevention of Torture.
Leila de Lima, Philippines CHR
January 2010: The Chairperson of the Philippines’ national human rights body was recognised as ‘Public Servant of the Year’ by the nation’s most popular television network.
Nisreen Zerikat, Jordan NCHR
November 2009: Nisreen, a lawyer, is coordinating a major national project to eradicate torture and ill-treatment in places of detention across Jordan.
Hashimah Nik Jaafar, Malaysia NHRC
October 2009: The Commission’s new Secretary has a history of taking on challenging roles and delivering positive results.
Professor Amara Pongsapich, Thailand NHRC
September 2009: The Commission’s new Chairperson plans to bring a collaborative and analytical approach to her six-year term.
Dr Sebastiao Dias Ximenes, Timor Leste PDHJ
August 2009: Taking a stand for human rights and good governance in Timor Leste does not come without personal challenges, says the country’s first Provedor.
Barbara Bernath, Association for the Prevention of Torture
July 2009: With more than 12 years experience at the APT, Barbara is a passionate advocate of the importance of bringing transparency and external monitoring to places of detention.
Mariyam Azra Ahmed, Maldives HRC
June 2009: Azra has recently returned to the Maldives from an APF-sponsored study visit to meet with Commissioners and staff of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.
Anarkali Honaryar - Afghanistan IHRC
May 2009: Anarkali, 25, has been named RFE/RL Radio Free Afghanistan Person of the Year, chosen by a panel of more than 30 Afghan journalists, civil society activists and human rights advocates
Kieren Fitzpatrick, APF Secretariat
April 2009: “On top of our regional cooperation, APF members have worked together to drive important developments at the international level that benefit NHRIs around the globe,” says the Director of the APF Secretariat.
Gianni Magazzeni, OHCHR
March 2009: “National institutions must address the critical and urgent gaps in human rights protection if they want to be both credible and effective,” says Gianni Magazzeni, who leads the National Institutions Unit of the OHCHR.
Padma Mathema, Nepal NHRC
February 2009: “I took up this position because I want to fight for the women of Nepal and I want them to have access to positive economic opportunities," says the country's National Rapporteur on Trafficking.
Jacqueline Meija, Philippines CHR
January 2009: “It’s a job I love because you can make a positive difference in the broader community and also for the organisation and its people,” says the Executive Director of the Philippines Commission on Human Rights.
Sriyana, Komnas HAM
December 2008: Over the last 15 years Yana, currently Head of Komnas HAM’s Executive Secretariat, has worked on a wide range of the organisation’s human rights research projects, public awareness campaigns, inquiries and investigations across the archipelago.
Randa Siniora, Palestine ICHR
November 2008: The last year was the worst on record for human rights since the start of the Palestinian Authority, says the Executive Director of the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights.
